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Kolmanskop · Abandoned Places & Urban Exploration

Passion Explorer

Kolmanskop · Abandoned Places & Urban Exploration

A diamond ghost town famous for sand-filled houses and German colonial architecture overtaken by desert reclamation. It started a diamond rush in 1908 and was abandoned in 1954. Access requires permits, and guided or self-guided tours are available. Photographers love the early morning light. Infrastructure supports tourists with guides available. Best time to visit is sunrise for photography. Located 10km from Luderitz, it also offers special full moon photography tours.

Destination Overview

A diamond ghost town famous for sand-filled houses and German colonial architecture overtaken by desert reclamation. It started a diamond rush in 1908 and was abandoned in 1954. Access requires permits, and guided or self-guided tours are available. Photographers love the early morning light. Infrastructure supports tourists with guides available. Best time to visit is sunrise for photography. Located 10km from Luderitz, it also offers special full moon photography tours.

Trip insights

Key planning notes tailored to this passion-forward getaway.

Best season
None
Difficulty
5
Region
Namibia, //Karas Region

Where to Stay

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Discover More

Browse through 43+ photos of Kolmanskop.

Old houses from the colonial era in the ghost-town of Kolmanskop in the Namib desert

Photo by Chris Stenger

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Bathtub on sand in Kolmanskop, Namibia.

Photo by Max Murauer

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Kolmanskop

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

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An abandoned diamond-mining settlement that was once the richest town in the world per capita stands completely deserted and overtaken by nature.

Photo by Eric Ward

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Kolmanskop

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

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Missing windows in Kolmanskop, Namibia.

Photo by Max Murauer

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Kolmanskop

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

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Kolmanskop

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

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Sunny attic in Kolmanskop, Namibia.

Photo by Max Murauer

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Kolmanskop

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

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Kolmanskop

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

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These were once the homes of some of the richest people in the world due to diamond-mining, but now they stand alone and deserted as the sands of time do their duty.

Photo by Eric Ward

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